By The Telegram

Certified public accountant K.J. Lager has been named the new financial officer for Garden City Public Schools.

Her appointment was approved at USD 457's Board of Education meeting Friday. "K.J. brings tremendous skills to the position and I look forward to working with her," Superintendent Rick Atha said in a press release.

Kathleen Whitley will be retiring from the district at the end of July after 25 years in the position. "Kathleen is leaving the school district in excellent financial condition after her many years of dedicated service," Atha noted.

Lager comes to the district from Wichita where she holds the position of vice president/controller for Matrix Aviation. She has approximately 19 years of experience in similar positions in Wichita and the Dallas area. Her scheduled starting date is May 7.

"I am looking forward to working with Dr. Atha and the other district officials. Kathleen leaves large shoes to fill, but I am excited about this opportunity and the privilege of serving the students," Lager said in the release.

Whitley said she's glad Lager is coming to USD 457. "I'm excited to have her (K.J.) come on board as the new financial officer for the district. I am looking forward to working with her and helping her get settled into the position," Whitley said.

Garden City Public Schools is the ninth largest school district in Kansas, by enrollment numbers, with an annual operating budget of more than $90 million.